23 Jan Protect Yourself and Your Family from Getting Sick this Cold Season

While you won’t be able to stop the spread of germs all together during the cooler months, there are simple ways to maintain a healthier environment for you and your family this winter by improving your indoor air quality.

Here are easy ways to decrease indoor air pollutants in your house and keep healthy indoor air during the winter:

*Air out and clean mold-prone areas of the home frequently such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
*Replace furnace filters frequently
*Wait for spring to tackle those home improvement projects that can generate high levels of pollutants
*Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide detection device
*Wash bedding once a week in hot water
*Consider dry cleaning alternatives or air out dry-cleaned items in the garage or patio before bringing them indoors as dry cleaning products emit chemicals from dry-cleaned fabrics
*Use non-toxic cleaning products
*Open windows and doors when weather permits
*Dust and vacuum regularly to reduce pet dander, mold, pollen, and dust mites
*Invest in air purifiers

Investing in an air purifier can also be a good way to reduce pollution at home. There are a variety of air cleaners on the market, ranging from table-top models to whole-house systems.

We recommend operating these types of air cleaners:

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting)
Considered the air cleaner to produce the best results. Removes a larger percentage of pollen and a variety of asthma and allergy causing pollutants.

Electrostatic
Removes particles by electrically charging them and then attracting those particles to an oppositely charged plate.

It is possible to enjoy your time indoors this winter and maintain a healthy indoor air quality. Following some basic tips to remove pollution sources, increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors, and invest in an air purifier can help keep your family comfortable and healthy.